We are proud to announce that Shawnee Health has been recognized once again for our commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has honored us with several Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges for 2024, emphasizing our dedication to healthcare excellence.
These badges are a testament to our health centers and staff who consistently demonstrate exceptional standards in their healthcare services. Each badge highlight’s Shawnee Health’s promise to provide high quality, equitable, and accessible care to our community, reflecting our pursuit of continuous improvement and outstanding patient care.
Our 2024 CHQR Badges:
National Quality LeaderAchieved top 20% overall clinical quality measure (CQM) performance among all health centers in the US. |
Access EnhancerIncreased number of new patients by at least five percent from the previous year. |
Health Disparities ReducerImproved services for racial/ethnic groups within the southern Illinois region. |
Advancing HIT for QualityExpanded access to health information technology and improved telehealth services to allow for quick communication between providers and patients. |
Patient Centered Medical HomeThe patient-centered medical home is a model that puts patients at the forefront of care. Shawnee Health implemented the PCMH model to improve quality and patient experience. |
Our Commitment to Quality
At Shawnee Health, quality is at the heart of everything we do. These recognitions from HRSA are not just badges; they are a reflection of our unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare. We continuously strive to improve our services, adopt innovative practices, and address the unique needs of our community.
Receiving these CHQR badges is a significant achievement for Shawnee Health. They serve as a benchmark for our performance and a reminder of the high standards we set for ourselves.
A special thank you to our staff for bringing the best quality of care to southern Illinois.
When preparing for childbirth, many expectant parents consider the support they will need during this transformative experience. Two key roles that often come up are doulas and midwives. While both provide essential support, their roles and responsibilities differ significantly. Shawnee Health offers comprehensive doula services to ensure every birthing experience is positive and empowering.
What is a Doula?
A doula is a trained birth worker who provides non-medical labor and delivery support to a birthing person before, during, and after childbirth. At Shawnee Health, our doulas are dedicated to making every birthing experience positive and empowering. Here’s how our doulas can help you:
Emotional Support:
- Provide constant encouragement and reassurance.
- Help manage anxiety and fear with calming techniques and coping strategies.
Physical Support:
- Assist with comfort measures like breathing techniques and labor positions.
- Offer non-medical pain relief methods like massage and water therapy.
Informational Support:
- Answer questions and provide information about the birthing process.
- Help you understand medical procedures and options.
Advocacy:
- Ensure your birth preferences are communicated to the medical team.
- Support you in making informed decisions throughout your birthing journey.
What is a Midwife?
A midwife is a healthcare professional who provides medical labor and delivery support to a birthing person during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Unlike doulas, midwives have medical training and can perform clinical tasks such as:
- Conducting comprehensive assessments and physical examinations.
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests.
- Prescribing medications, including controlled substances and contraception.
- Managing labor and delivering babies.
- Providing family planning, health promotion, and disease prevention services.
Key Differences Between Doulas and Midwives
Medical Training:
- Midwives are medically trained professionals who can perform clinical tasks and manage medical aspects of childbirth.
- Doulas provide non-medical support, focusing on emotional, physical, and informational assistance.
Scope of Practice:
- Midwives can prescribe medications, conduct medical procedures, and deliver babies.
- Doulas offer comfort measures, emotional support, and advocacy but do not perform medical tasks.
Role During Childbirth:
- Midwives oversee the clinical aspects of labor and delivery, ensuring the health and safety of both mother and baby.
- Doulas support the mother through non-medical means, helping to create a positive and empowering birthing experience.
Can You Have Both?
Absolutely! Many families choose to have both a doula and a midwife. The midwife handles the medical aspects of childbirth, while the doula provides continuous emotional and physical support. This combination can offer a well-rounded and supportive birthing experience
by Tarina Yates, Community Based Doula Family Support Specialist
Email tyates@shsdc.org for more information on Shawnee Health’s Doula Services
Shawnee Health is proud to announce that it has been awarded the designation of an Age-Friendly Health System – Committed to Care Excellence by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). This prestigious recognition acknowledges Shawnee Health Service’s dedication to improving the care of older adults through the implementation of the 4Ms framework: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility.
Since its inception in 1971, Shawnee Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), has been committed to enhancing the health and welfare of southern Illinois residents. As an organization that provides comprehensive health and social services, Shawnee Health has consistently prioritized the delivery of high-quality care to individuals of all ages, regardless of age, race, religion, sex, residence, or ability to pay.
Di Riley, Shawnee Health’s Chief Director of Clinical Services, expressed her enthusiasm for this recognition, stating, “We are thrilled to be recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System. This designation underscores our unwavering commitment to providing excellent care that aligns with the values and needs of our older adult patients.”
The Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, led by The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States, aims to improve health care for older adults by promoting evidence-based practices that are safe, effective, and tailored to what matters most to them and their families.
Kedar Mate, MD, President & CEO of IHI, commended Shawnee Health for its leadership in this rapidly growing movement. “We applaud Shawnee Health’s dedication to implementing the 4Ms framework and for their significant contributions to improving the health and healthcare of older adults in their community.”
As a participant in the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, Shawnee Health will continue to receive resources and updates to support its ongoing efforts to enhance the care of older adults. The organization looks forward to celebrating this achievement and spreading awareness about the importance of age-friendly care.
For more information about Shawnee Health and its comprehensive range of services, please visit http://www.shawneehealth.com.
For Media Inquiries Contact:
Alex Hansen – Marketing and Recruitment Manager
109 California Ave. Carterville, IL 62918
(618)956-9570
ahansen@shsdc.org
About Shawnee Health
Since its inception in 1971, Shawnee Health, as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) has worked to improve the health and welfare of southern Illinois residents through the promotion, development and administration of quality, comprehensive health and social services. Shawnee Health believes that quality care is a right, and continuously strives to ensure that patients and clients receive the highest quality care without regard to age, race, religion, sex, residence, or ability to pay.
For additional media inquiries, please contact Shawnee Health Marketing Manager at (618) 956-9570 or ahansen@shsdc.org.
Shawnee Health is pleased to announce the commencement of the demolition process for the dilapidated building located at 500 S. Lewis Lane in Carbondale. The demolition marks an important milestone in the organization’s vision to create a new community health and wellness center that will bring numerous benefits to the Carbondale community.
The existing structure was once a nursing home that has sat vacant over the last 15 years. The building could be a hazard to the public and is an eyesore to the community. Shawnee Health is excited to take an active step in cleaning up the neighborhood as well as bringing new beneficial programs to the community.
The new community health and wellness center will house new programs aimed at addressing social determinants of health, providing resources and support to improve overall well-being. Additionally, the center will enhance access to social services, allowing individuals to receive comprehensive and coordinated care.
One exciting feature of the new center is the inclusion of a community garden, which will provide fresh produce and promote healthy eating habits within the community. Community wellness programs will also be offered, encouraging individuals to engage in physical activity and adopt healthier lifestyles.
“We are thrilled to further enhance our integrated health and community services project at our Carbondale campus,” said Christina Carney, CEO of Shawnee Health. “The funding received through Senator Tammy Duckworth, as Congressionally Directed Spending, will allow us to expand services in Carbondale, Illinois, and help bridge the gap community members face when trying to access community-based and social services.”
The demolition process is expected to be completed within the next 60 days. As the demolition occurs, debris will be sorted, and appropriate recycling procedures will be implemented to ensure limited ecological impact.
Construction of the new community health and wellness center is slated for completion in Fall 2025. This state-of-the-art facility will bring together a range of services under one roof, fostering a collaborative and holistic approach to community health.
The Shawnee Health team is grateful for the opportunity to create a dedicated space that will positively impact the lives of community members and residents in the neighborhood. For more information or to stay updated on the progress of the project, visit Shawnee Health’s website at www.shawneehealth.com.
Shawnee Health is pleased to introduce Christina Carney, MBA, FACHE, of Carterville, Illinois as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective August 1st, 2023. Carney, originally hired to serve as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) in October 2021, brings over two decades of experience in healthcare leadership. Carney will succeed Patsy Jensen, who plans to retire July 31, 2023.
The Shawnee Health Board of Directors engaged HR Full Circle, Springfield, IL, to conduct an expansive search for Ms. Jensen’s successor. After the completion of the comprehensive recruitment process, the Board selected Christina Carney to be only the 3rd CEO for Shawnee Health.
“Christina Carney’s appointment as CEO comes at a pivotal moment for Shawnee Health, as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare and social services in southern Illinois. As an accomplished executive, Carney has demonstrated a keen understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare providers, as well as the transformative opportunities that lie within these challenges. Her exceptional leadership skills, combined with her unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, made her the ideal choice to lead Shawnee Health into the future,” said Shawnee Health’s Board President Paula Reeves.
Carney stated “I feel incredibly honored to be able to lead an organization that does so much for the community that I grew up and raise my children in. I look forward to adding to the legacy of providing integrated primary medical, behavioral, dental care and social services to southern Illinois. The quality of the team of health professionals within Shawnee Health is next to none. I know together, we will drive positive change to improve the health outcomes and welfare of residents across southern Illinois.”
Carney is a board-certified healthcare executive, holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the John M. Olin School of Business at Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in Health Care Management from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. Carney held executive leadership roles at Southern Illinois Healthcare, SSM Health and SIHF Healthcare prior to joining Shawnee Health in 2021.
Patsy Jensen’s transition into retirement comes after a successful 40-year career within Shawnee Health. Prior to serving as CEO for the past 14 years, Jensen held other leadership positions within Shawnee Health including, Associate Director of Shawnee Alliance (Social Services), Executive Director of River to River Corporation, through the founding and development phases, and Chief Operating Officer. Over the course of Jensen’s tenure as CEO, Shawnee Health has grown as an organization of 285 employees to over 410.
“Shawnee Health’s Board of Directors would like to express how extremely grateful we are to Patsy Jensen for her longstanding commitment to our organization and to the communities of southern Illinois. The impact she has made within the region will be felt for decades,” said Paula Reeves.
About Shawnee Health
Since its inception in 1971, Shawnee Health, as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) has worked to improve the health and welfare of southern Illinois residents through the promotion, development and administration of quality, comprehensive health and social services. Shawnee Health believes that quality care is a right, and continuously strives to ensure that patients and clients receive the highest quality care without regard to age, race, religion, sex, residence, or ability to pay.
For additional media inquiries, please contact Shawnee Health Marketing Manager at (618) 956-9570 or ahansen@shsdc.org.
Shawnee Health’s Family Medicine Provider, Dr. Jeffery Ripperda, recently was invited onto WXAN Radio to speak with Radio Will. Tune in to hear his expertise on things like Colorectal Cancer, the new drugs approved by the FDA for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease, and recent Air Quality Indexes being impacted by the Canadian Wildfires.
